Shots fired on Basin Street in Norristown

NORRISTOWN — Investigators believe they have gotten to the bottom of an initially confusing chain of events on the 300 block of East Basin Street Friday morning.

While shots were fired, and one man was taken to an area hospital with what has been described as relatively minor injuries, Norristown Chief of Police J. Bono confirmed Friday night that no one was actually struck by the shots.

Bono added that the injured man was Larry Hill, 30. Hill, who resides at 314 East Basin St., reportedly came out of his home around 9:43 a.m. to the sound of a horn blowing from a white SUV operated by Rasheed Cooper, 31, of 508 Middleton Place.

Hill and Cooper are known to each other, and are reported to be longtime rivals over the same woman. An argument reportedly ensued and Cooper, according to the allegations, began to pull away but then threw the car in reverse and contacted Hill.

Though sustaining injuries to his legs and back, Hill was reportedly spry enough to produce a gun and fire multiple times at the SUV as it pulled away.

“Cooper then came to the police station and reported that he was driving down the street when Hill started shooting at him,” said Bono.

However, the subsequent investigation, which included interviews with several witnesses, led police to another conclusion.

“The investigation, for now, reveals that the story Hill told us was more credible,” said Bono, who added that Cooper will be facing charges and that Hill, who is not allowed to possess a firearm, may also face charges.

“We’re not sure (the gun) is his,” said Bono.

Bono said the incident was just another unfortunate event in a town where some residents don’t practice consequential thinking.

“People talk about youth violence in Norristown, but here we have a man 31 and another 30 — in a dispute over a woman,” he said. “It’s reprehensible that this is how people settle their differences.

“Until that type of mentality leaves Norristown, it’s going to be difficult to do much about it.”